Randall Kenneth Jones

Randall Kenneth Jones is a multi-talented American author, speaker, podcaster, comic actor, and creative communications consultant known for his positive approach to professional and personal development and his skill as a “professional storyteller”. His career spans marketing, public relations, stage acting, and media production, unified by an overarching philosophy of “The Importance of Importance” and a quest to “look for the BEST in people”.

Professional Background & MindZoo

A native of Missouri and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Jones has built an extensive marketing and public relations portfolio that includes work for numerous national household names, including GEICO, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Walgreens, and JCPenney.

In April 2001, he founded MindZoo, a creative communications firm where he serves as Founder and President. Through MindZoo, he advises high-profile organizations on developing their most powerful stories for various media, operating under the motto: “All business communication is meant to SELL something—a product, service, concept or emotion.” His work in this field has landed him appearances on outlets like NBC’s Today, CNBC.com, Fox Business, and Public Radio’s Marketplace with Kai Ryssdal.

The Podcast

In 2018, Jones launched his popular podcast, originally titled Jones. Show, which was rebranded in 2024 as ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones. Co-created with Susan C. Bennett, the original voice of Siri, who serves as the show’s announcer, the podcast features smart, funny, and heartfelt conversations with celebrities, innovators, and everyday heroes. The show continues its mission of finding the best in people and has featured a wide array of guests, from Pat Benatar, Melissa Rivers, Suzanne Somers and Norman Lear to Jenifer Lewis, Nischelle Turner, Ginger Zee, and Stedman Graham.

Erin Brockovich, consumer advocate and recurring podcast guest, described his show as: “The best podcast and host ever.”

Speaking Style 

Jones is a highly regarded public and keynote speaker known for his engaging, high-energy “infotainment” style that blends personal and professional development with humor. He is often described as a master storyteller, drawing upon his extensive experience as an author, communications consultant, and podcaster who has interviewed numerous celebrities and thought leaders.

His presentations are described as an engaging mix of oration, tutorial, and stand-up comedy, designed to be both educational and entertaining. Jones emphasizes positive communication, creativity, and the power of human connection, aiming to make every member of the audience feel important and empowered to embrace their authentic selves.

His material is a “brain trust” of wisdom gleaned from over a hundred interviews with a diverse range of individuals, including Hoda Kotb, Suze Orman, and General Barry McCaffrey, as well as Erin Brockovich, Barbara Corcoran, and Peggy Post, Director Emeritus of the Emily Post Institute.

Literary Works

Jones is the author of two books, which stem from his personal and professional journey. His first book, a non-fiction work published in late 2016, is titled “Show Me: Celebrities, Business Tycoons, Rock Stars, Journalists, Humanitarians, Attack Bunnies & More!. This book is a compilation of over 100 interviews Jones conducted for his “Business Class” column in Smart Business magazine and the Naples Daily News. He used these interviews with diverse public figures to explore positive business principles and the importance of kindness and self-expression.

Discovered and published by Mark Victor Hanson of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” fame and inspired by actress Cynthia Rhodes (“Dirty Dancing, Flashdance), his second book, a fiction novel published in September 2022, is titled “Ruby: Magic Comes From the Heart.” It is a holiday-inspired mystery and part of the Savannah Valley Series, a collection of books focusing on characters over 55 who are reinventing themselves. The book has been well-received and endorsed by several public figures, including Erin Brockovich, Janet Evanovich, and Hollywood insider Kevin Goetz.

Acting and Theatre Direction

Beyond his work in communications and media, Jones has a robust background as an actor and theatre director. He considers his time on stage a “blissful extension” of his creativity.

In regional theatre, comedic actor Jones has gained notice for his gender-bending roles in parodies produced by the Laboratory Theater of Florida, specifically as the femme fatale Cousin Miriam in “Hush Up Sweet Charlotte” and Baby Jane Hudson in “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane: A Parody of the Horror.”

As a director, he has proudly helmed productions of “The Taming of the Screw,” “Love Letters,” “Working, A Musical,” “Tell Me on a Sunday,” and the first licensed production of “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man.”

He recently appeared on “Spring Break Murders” on A&E in the U.K.